Student Employee Information
Welcome!
On behalf of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory team, I’m thrilled to welcome all of you! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey that will deepen your academic understanding and significantly enhance your professional growth.
Lincoln Laboratory boasts a strong tradition of excellence in research and innovation, tackling some of the most critical issues in national security, space exploration, information technology, and beyond. As an intern, you will play a vital role in this meaningful work, contributing to projects that truly make a difference.
Your co-op experience here goes beyond just completing tasks; it’s about joining a community that values curiosity, teamwork, and the desire to affect change. We believe your unique perspectives and skills will bring fresh insights to our teams and help us reach new heights.
We’ve established this internal website as a resource to support you throughout your co-op experience.
Remember, this is more than just an internship; it’s an opportunity to make an impact, learn, grow, and be part of something extraordinary. We’re excited to have you join us and look forward to the amazing things you will achieve.
Welcome to the team, and here’s to a fantastic co-op experience at Lincoln Laboratory!
Start Date Options
Lincoln Laboratory schedules onboarding for new hires on Tuesdays. Your start date will be confirmed by HR once your commercial background investigation is adjudicated.
End Dates
Typically, co-op students work for six consecutive months at 40 hours per week. The winter/spring co-op cycle runs from January to June, while the summer/fall cycle runs from July to December. There is flexibility in hiring co-ops off cycle based on your academic schedule.
Your First Day
On your first day, you’ll come to the Laboratory to obtain your access badge and laptop, and participate in training before meeting your group member.
More detailed information about day-one activities will be shared closer to your confirmed start date.
New Hire Orientation
You’ll be invited to a New Hire Orientation via Zoom on your second day at the Laboratory, where you’ll receive an overview of the Laboratory and essential information regarding policies and procedures.
Co-op Networking
On your first day, you’ll be invited to join a Teams channel to connect with fellow co-ops. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, access to this channel will not be granted until your start date.
Commercial Background Investigation (CBI) and eAPP/SF86 Applications
All employees must submit a CBI application and receive approval before starting work. Lincoln Laboratory collaborates with third-party vendors (ScreenID or Risk Aware) for this process.
Once your CBI is submitted, our security team will email you another required clearance application: the eAPP/SF86.
Please make sure to handwrite your name, date of birth, and Social Security Number at the top of the form. Additionally, ensure that the “To apply for a job” box is checked and that you provide a handwritten signature and date near the bottom.
For assistance, please contact our personnel security team at 781-981-0933, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Welcome Letter and New Employee Paperwork
Please review your Welcome Letter sent to your personal email provided during application. It's important to complete the electronic documents linked to the New Employee Wizard at your earliest convenience, as this will create your payroll record in our system.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Holiday Schedule
Click here to view the Laboratory’s holiday schedule. Interns are eligible for holiday pay if they work the day before and after a paid Laboratory holiday. Note that MIT interns are not eligible for holiday pay due to MIT’s student employment policy.
Your Supervisor
Your supervisor is eager to welcome you to Lincoln Laboratory! They (or a delegate) will meet you after onboarding activities on your first day to introduce you to the team and help you settle in. Supervisors will also review expectations and your project assignment during your initial one-on-one meeting.
Parking, Transportation, and Commuting Options
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is located in Lexington, Massachusetts, approximately 14 miles northwest of Boston and Logan International Airport.
- Map to main Lincoln Laboratory Facility at 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts
- PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to access Lincoln Laboratory from Hanscom Air Force Base. All visitors must arrive through the Wood Street gate. Please proceed to the gate via Hartwell Ave to Wood Street, or route 2A to Old Massachusetts Ave to Wood Street.
- Photo identification for all vehicle occupants must be shown at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Main Gate
- Visitor parking at Lincoln Laboratory
- Map and directions to Forbes Road facility
- Bicycling access to Lincoln Laboratory and commuter bicycle parking
Lincoln Laboratory is accessible via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) public subway/bus system. MBTA schedules, routes, maps, and fare information can be found on their website.
We also operate a free shuttle service between the MIT campus in Cambridge and the main Laboratory facility in Lexington from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.